r FORGED ARMY CARD I

r FORGED ARMY CARD. John Henry Hill (3S) wa.s brought before the Cardiff magistrates (Mr. John Moore and Dr. A. Ivtesj on Wednesday on i a charge of unlawfully using and having in his possession at Nathan Army certifi- cate well knowing it to have been forged, altered, and irregular. Lieut. the Hon. II. C. Bailey, who prose- cuted, explained that defendant went be- fore the medical board at Swansea on June 30th last, and the result of his examination was that he was marked T. IL, six wepks YO-temporarily unfit for six weeks. Defendant changed his address to Neath, and as soon 016 his papers were forwarded in the ordinary course he was called up by the recruiting officer at Neath. On December 6th he was seen by the recruiting officer at Neath. He then produced a classification card marked T.U., six months." The recruiting officer had suspicions that it had been altered, and the man told him at the time he ought not to have been called up be- ca,usehe was marked temporarily unfit on June 30th for six months. The recruiting officer sent for the medical history sheet, and found that their classification card and medical history sheet were marked for six weeks. The man was arrested in Cardiff. Defendant said he went to the recruiting office at Swansea and wpnt before the medico hoard, and after examination was handed th certificate which had been pro duced in court. Since that certificate had been in his possession lie had not made any alteration on it whatever. Mr. Jenkins, for the defence, said defen- dant was a married man a.nd had been suffering from ailment'; for Rome time, and pointed out it was possible that if he had presented himself and had undergone fur- ther examination he would have been further postponed. Thp;r Worship* finer! defendant £ 50 (or thres months), allowing him a monthto find the money.

INCREASED FARES

INCREASED FARES? An Order in Council published in the "T,aii(Ir,n Gazette" on Wednesday night gives the Board of Trade power to abolish the penny-a-mile limit to third-class fares. The Board of Trade may issue orders modifying any statutory requirements as to maximum fares. At present the ma.xi- mum fares over by far the gTeater part' of the railways of the country are 2d. a mile first-class, l id. a mile second class, and Id. a mile third class. It has already been stated that itn the New Year 50 per cent. may be put on all except short-distance season tickets. Last i night's Gazette" notice is a necessary preliminary to such a step.

DEAD THREE DAYS I

DEAD THREE DAYS. Mr. Lew-is M. Thomas held an inquest1 at Neath on Wednesday concerning the death of Mary Owen (80), of 19, Greenway- road, Neath, a widow, whose body was found in the house on Tuesday. Richard Owen, Plaswfelin, Neath, said d-ec.eased waks his sister-in-law, and was an age pensioner. Slie had no children and lived alone at the house. Dr. Joseph Walters said the condition appeared to suggest that death had taken place two or three days previously. There was blood on the mouth, and he was of opinion that death was due to the burst- ing of a blood vessel, which brought OIl syncope. Verdict in accordance with medical ev-i- (lell r-e

WELSH FARMERS PLEA I

WELSH FARMER'S PLEA. ■ A farmer who appealed for the exenip- tion of a farm hand at the Carnarvon- shire Appeal Tribunal at Bangor was asked whether his grand-daughter could not milk the cows. He replied that she was engaged in learning to play the piano, A member pointed out that it was more important at present to learn how to milk oowis than to play the piano.

PROHIBITING COPPERI

PROHIBITING COPPER. The use of copper for other than muni- tion purposes having been prohibited, it is probable that many of the cutlery and pleetro-plated businesses in Sheffield will have to close their doors as soon as the present stocks are exhausted. Copper is largely used in the manufatcure of nickel silver, of which so many spoons and forks are made, and the authorities are to be asked to modify the order.

SLINGSBY APPEAL

SLINGSBY APPEAL. Their Lordships, hearing the Slingsby baby appeal case before the House of Lords, delivered judgment on Thursday refusing the appeal.Exchange.

AMERICAN SHIP SUNK

AMERICAN SHIP SUNK. Baltimore, Thursday.—The American steamer Powhatan, reported in collision and explosion, sunk at the entrance to Cl*asaj?e&ke.—LloydV

I LATEST WAR NEWS I

I LATEST WAR NEWS I TH U RSOA Y-F-CH-FFI CIAL. The night was without incident. ARMY OF THE EAST. j The enemy artillery bombarded the Serbian front generally and the town of Monastir, causing some victims amongst the civil popula- tion. Our batteries effectively replied. There was no infantry action.

10 1 IITALIAN OFFICIALI

0 1 ITALIAN OFFICIAL. I In the Astico valley, artillery duels took place. Our batteries dis- persed cr i,,iy attachments on the j northern slopes of Mount Selug- gim and north of Mount Giinore. Along the Nilian Front, artillery action and patrol reconnaissances took place. On the Carso one of our aeroplanes attacked an enemy kite balloon which fell in flames near Terno- wizza (Ternwaca), north-east, ot N ahresina.

I RUMANIANS UNBROKEN I

RUMANIANS. UNBROKEN. The Rumanians with tte Russian allies still preserve an unbroken front in their retreat, and have made several effective local rallies for the purpose of checking the pursuit. They are not yet, however, able to offer any real resistance to Mackensen's two armies, which are now pressing on more rapidly along tha whole front. The enemy's vanguard is 60 or 70 miles from the Danube ports of Galatz and Braila, where there are gn'at gran- aries, and from the River Sereth, where it Has been suggested that our allies will make a second stand and endeavour to bar the road to Moldavia. After the enemy had crossed the Jalo- mitxa he seems to have been forced back again over the river owing to the arrival of Russian cavalry, but this relief, accord- ing to Berlin, was only temporary. Far- ther north, on the Ploceti-Buzeu route, the main road of the country, which skirts the Carpathian foothills, the Rumanians made another useful rally which w.us suc- cessful in delaying the pursuit tor a time. Higher up to mountain slopes, ho.vever, they were overborne and fell back; the Germans say they took 4.000 prisoners here. The latest news is that the enemy is nearing Buzeu.

0 I AU ST R I A N GO V ERN MEN T 1

￼ .0. ————— I AU ST R I A N G.O V ERN MEN T. 1 Amsterdam, Thursday.—According to a Vienna telegram, the Emperor Karl has accepted the resignation of the Austrian Government, and has entrusted Herr Alexander vnn Spitamuellcr with the I formation of a new Cabinet.—Reuter.

I GREEK CRISIS I

I GREEK CRISIS. Paris, Wednesday. — Vioe-A Jmiral j Gauchet has been appointed Cora mander-1 in-Chief of the First Naval Division, in place of Admiral d'Artige du Fournet, the P|rench Naval Command ex in Grecian waters.—Reuter. [Admiral du Fournet. was the chief representative of the Allied forces in Greece, and presented at Athens, on behalf of the Entente, the recent demands on King Constantine, requiring the handing over of batteries and the removal of Greek troops. As the demands were not con- ceded he landed troops, w ho on reaching the capital or. December 1, were attacked by the Greeks, and forced to retire on the Piraeus and re-embark.] It was to enforce his demands for the handing over of the armaments that he landed the detachments which were treacherously attacked by the Greeks and were compelled to retire to the Pirsens. Whether his recall is , to the mis- carriage of his plans is not clear. Admiral Gauchet, who succeeds him, has a. long record of service behind him, but his name has not figured very promiently in an yexploit connected with the war.

0 FIGHTING FOR EXISTENCE I

0 FIGHTING FOR EXISTENCE. I Paris, Thursday.—A contributor to the H Gaulois," who has returned from Italy, via Switzerland, says he had a conversa- tion with two high Swiss personages who declared that the situation of the Central Powers was desperate, and that their leaders, feeling they were lost, were fighting for existence.

BELGIAN ACTIVITYI

BELGIAN ACTIVITY. I Havre, Tliui-sday.-Ill the regdoto of Dix- mude, and near Strenstraete, there were reciprocal bombardments, which in the course of the afternoon attained consider- able intensity, as the result of destruction fire carried out successfuly by Belgian bat- teries against the works of boundary 18 on the Yser.

WHO BEGAN THE WAR I

WHO BEGAN THE WAR? Petrograd, Thursday.—An official Note published here denounces the semi-official statements emanating from Berlin charging the Russians with beginning the war, and says Russian preparations were obviously defensive. Why, the statement asks, dki the Germans > mass troops against Belgium who made no prepara- tions P Petrograd, Thursday.—M. Pokrowski, Comptroller of the Empire, has been ap- pointed Foreign Minister. M. Feodossieff, Deputy Minister of Finance, has been ap- pointed Comptroller of the Empire.

MAJOR BRYN LEWIS I

MAJOR BRYN LEWIS. I Lieut. Bryn Lewis, the ex-Swansea wing three-quarter, and son of Mr. and Mrs. Dd. Lewis, Tanyrallt, Pontardawe, has been promoted on the field to a majority for conspicuous work on the battlefields of Fiv.r.ce. Major Lewis en- listed shortly after the war in the Glam- organ Yeomanry, but was subsequently promoted in the infantry.

STRANGE WILL OF A WIDOWI

STRANGE WILL OF A WIDOW. A will left by Mrs. McFadyon, aged 79, widow of an actor, of Bayswater, who died as the result qf accidental coal gas poison- ing, showed that she had considerable means. She asked that she be cremated, and that her ashes should afterwards be throws with the other rubbish."

WAR SUMMARYI

WAR SUMMARY I FRIDAY. Speaking at to-day\ Liberal Party con- ference Mr. Asqui'.ii urged the import- ance of giving strenuous adhesion to' whatever Government was in power, for the winning of the war. The con- ference passe d a resolution pledging themselves to support the new Govern- ment. There has been a lull in the fighting on the British front. Except for inter- mittent shelling on both sides, there has been nothing to report during the night. Admiral Du Fournet sent to the Greek Government on Wednesday a com- munique stating that a blockade of all the ports of Greece would be declared the following day. SATURDAY. It transpires that Mr. Ellis Griffth has declined the offer of the post oT-Home Secretary in the new British Cabinet. In legal circles it is stated that Mr. Gor- don Hewart, K.C., has been offered the position. There is still nothing to report from the British front. It would appear, however, that a battle is imminent. The Germans are concentrating in Antwerp. A munition factory near Alexandia blew up through spontaneous combustion, ac-! cording to a Rome message, killing fifty persons. Since the fall of Bucharest the enemy's, chief sncce-secs have been in the northern part of Wallachia. A large number of prisoners is claimed. The situation in Greece continues to be; extremely grnve. The pusuit of Veni- zelists and the searching of their iiouses is being proceeded with. MONDAY. The latest news from Greece is to the effect that mobilisation is in progress and that the King is in touch by wirelese with the Central Lowers. Mr. Lloyd George has completed his Win the War Ministry, and his choice of men of brains and business gives general satisfaction. The Right Hon. Sir Alfred Mond, the Member for Swansea, is First Commis- sioner of Works., Latest news from Russia inclines to the view that the Rumanians have arrested the German offensive. TUESDAY. Bethmann Ilollwpg, the German Chan- cellor, announced in the Reichstag to- day that Germany, together with her allies, had proposed this morning to the! hostile Powers to enter into peace nogo-i tiations. From a Swiss source it is understood that' King Constantine ordered a general mobi lisation. The Russian Official says that in the! legion of Belver the enemy, who at-! tacked, were b-eat,, -ii back, and the de- tachmr-nt which pursued them captured two heights, On the Rumanian front on Monday, the en?my conducted unsuccessful attacks. As soon as Mr. Lloyd George's Premier-! ship was known in Holland, a special; meeting of the Dutch Ministry was: held, following which telegrams were' sent to all Dutch shipping agents in America, instructing them to preserve tonnage for Government grain. I WEDNESDAY. The concensus of opinion is against I acceptance of the German peace terms. King Constantine has warned the in- terned Greek Corps at Goerlitz, Ger-: many, to hold themselves in readiness I to co-operate with the Germans and the Bulgarians against Sarrail. It is stated that Germany has invited Belgium to insist on a separate peace, which would be followed by restoration. Failing acceptance, Germany throatens to destroy monuments, public buildings, and even towns. THURSDAY. To-day's French official points out that the enemy artillery bombarded the Serbian front generally and the town of Monastir, and some victims amongst the civil population are reported. The French batteries effectively replied. The Russian cavalry advanced towards the west during December 12th, and, co- operating with the infantry, fougihi a stubborn battle. With the idea of clearing up the unsatis- factory situation in Greece, the British Government are about to make new demands to the Government of that country Vice-Admiral Gauchet has been appointed Commander-in-Chief of the First Naval Division, in place of Admiral d'Artige du Fournet, the French Naval Com- mander in Grecian waters. A Vienna telegram states that Emperor Karl has accepted the resignation of the Austrian Government, and has entrusted Herr Alexander von Spi-taanueller with the formation of a new Cabinet.

USING THE LAND

USING THE LAND. Mi. Frank E. Tunbridge, the Corpora-1 tion Esta.te -Agoot, and Mr. Daniel BLise, the Corporation Parks and Open Spaces Superintendent, are busily occupied just at present preparing plans to submit with their report to the Council next Wednes- day. Up to the present they have been able to obtain Corporation vacant land amounting to something like 120 acree. Each acre is divided into 16 allotments. Mr. Tunbridge is el opinion that it will be an easy matter find other vacant spacer that will prcvide about 2,000 or 3,000 more allotments. Mr. Bliss says he has already received application for about 100 plots. A sug- gestion will be made as to whether Ger- man war prisoner labour can be utilised, as it is in some parts of the country to cultivate the land. The cost per allot- ment will be practically nominal, and will be fixed at the next meeting of the Council.

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Mr. William Bennett, of St. Julian's, I Sketty-road, Swansea, formerly of 5, Mont- pelier-terrace, Swansea, who died on Oct. 17th last, and whose will is proved by Mr. John Saunders, of 203, Eiensington- terrace, Swansea, buildere' clerk, and his, eons, Hugh Benjamin Bennett, St. Juli- j an's, and Frank William Bennett, of 8, Roaehill-ro&d, Swansea, land surveyor, has i left estate of the value of C7,496, of which ?4,233 is net personality. The testator gives Laburnam Cottage, Newton, Mum- bles, to his son Hugh, and the residue of the property in trust for his wife for life or widowhood, and then for his children. Helena Nic, Hu?h Bentanda. ? Frank William, and Evelvn.

I HONOURING HEROES I

I HONOURING HEROES. I ———-— -0 I Vicar of Cwmavon and Visits to Public-Houses, Speaking this week in All Saints' -Church, Cwmavon, the vicar, the Rev. 1).; Barker-Williams, referred to the home- coming of men from the front and to the manner in which they were received and entertained. He said: I have been asked by some members of our church to con- vene a meeting to consider the best way pf recognising the services of those mem- bers of our church who are serving their King and country. This movement is not meant to, and will not clash with any general organisation in the parish. One general scheme for the whole parish would have been very much more to my personal liking. As a Christian church we cannot be satisfied with the idea that it is j.n honour, such as is due to those who have for weeks and months been facing death under circumstances which language can-! not describe, to take them to public-, houses. What I say does not reflect in the very least on the licensed victuallers of Cwmavon, some of whom are found among my most valued friends. What I am anxious tro emphasise with all quiet! earnestness is the fact, which cannot be disputed, that a public-house, however well-conducted, is not quite the place in which to honour those who have volun- tarily sacrificed their all for King and i country. It is an insult to invite a life- I long abstainer there, and this has been done. It is a cruelty to take a weak j brother there. This also has been done. I sincerely hope the practice, which has; been far too common here and elsewhere. i will be allowed quietly to drop, and I I (suggest that the public rooms should be used and not the public-house."

IGOWJER TRIBUNAL j

I GOWJER TRIBUNAL, j The Gower District Tribunal met on Wednesday, Mr. H. L. Pritchard presid- ing. At the outset. Captain Harold Williams referred to the conference of the tinplaters and the military, saying that all tinplaters should now be sent to the Labour Ex- change for enrolment for war work. The Clerk (Mr. H. J. Ind) read a new condition from Mr. Walter Long, which! said that difficulties had arisen in some I cases because the military representative had applied for a review of a certificate without adducing new facts as regards the men. Mr. Long considered the very urgent demand for men as an adequate reason for asking for a review of the cer- tificate. A new order said that all men under 26 would be of more use to the country in the forces than in civil occupa- tion, though this did not apply to men in the Gower district engaged on agricultural work. ak; egriculture would be the subject of special instruc- tions. In the order governing the agricul- i tural men, the onus seemed to be thrown on the military to provide a substitute for, any man taken from the land. Capt. Harold Williams said that he had not received any list of substitutes from the L.G.B. which the tribunal considered was a most important arrangement. A house thatcher made a personal ap- peal on the ground that he was a H thatcher, which was in the interest of I the health of the public.* Mr. Pritchard, who said the man was on his estate, vacated the chair. As a witness he said the man WWI not indis- pensable; older men had gone, and he saw no reason for his exemption unless the man adduced personal facts. In the man's statement it appeared that he was the only thatcher in the district, and it was decided to grant an exemption to April next year. Capt. Williams said he would give. formal notice of appeal. Application was made for the exemption of a gardener, classed C 1. The appellant said he was now growing potatoes under glass. Three months' exemption was granted. The same man appealed for a plough- man. who also did other work, and was granted two months' temporary exemp-. tion. A master builder and contractor, whol, had several contracts not. completed and with heavy liabilities, said his age was 41 years and seven months. He was given six months' exemption. Four adjourned cases came before the tribunal, and Captain Williams said that this was a case in which substitution should take place, and it was decided to grant six months' temporary exemption. Two other oases of farmers were granted a similar exemption. Capt. H. Williams pointed out that he would review a certi- I ficate if he had a good substitute. THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH. West Glamorgan Appeal Tribunal met I' on Wednesday at the Guildhall, Swansea, Aid. John Jordan presiding. Capt. Williams, military ropresmtative., appealed against the decision of the local tribunal in respect of a blacksmith. He! had been informed that a man over mili- tary age was sent away from Penrioe, and; that this man had been put in his place at the suggestion of Mr. Pritohard, Ghair- man of the Gower Tribunal. j Evidence was given that the man in question was 23 years of age and single, a blacksmith and a farmer, and had forges at Pemrioe and Poiteynon. An old man had taken over the forge at Penrioe. After he left, the estate agent asked re-: spondent to carry on the Penrioe forge. Since then he had worked at the forges both of Penrioe and Porbeynon. Mr. Thomp6on read a letter from the estate agent, which stated that the black- ami?h who had been at Penrice was over 60 years of age, very deaf and nearly blind. His sight and hearing became so bad that he was quite incapable of doing; the work required of him. Had it been, possible to continue to employ this man- the estate agent would have done 80. That. was why an arrangement was made that the forge at Penrioe should be run in con- nection with that at Porteynon. The ser-, vice, said this letter, was indispensable to I the agricultural community. The Chairman said the. military appeal succeeded to the extent that they limited the exemption to January 13th, and that, no further appeal would be allowed. I

I I WASHED ASHORE1

— I WASHED ASHORE. 1 The body of an unknown male, about 65 years of age, was washed ashore at Port Eynon on Sunday. At the inquest, a ver-! diet of Found on the beach with no I evidence to show how, "when, or he | met his death," was returned.

SWANSEA llEEJAlS II

SWANSEA llEEJAlS II I OFFERS STRLUtte SUPPORT TO MI UUVu.hmti'll. I At Mond-buildings, Swansea, last night, a representative meeting of the Swansea Liberal Association wa.s held uiidir the presidency of Mr. Richard Martin, J.P., The Chairman explained the political situation in the borough consequent upon t>h- A it red Mond 's acceptance of oiko: in the jk-w Government, and eaid it wac not yet quite certain whether a bye-eleetio^ wouid be necessary, but they had n'j rignt to presume tiiat there would not be one. Should there be an election, and the Government being a national one, the preisumption should be that the re-election of Sir Alfred as a member of it would have the combined support of the three parties. The President proposed a resolution re- cording thanks to Mr. Ajsquith for his long and magnificent service to the nation, and unabated confidence in him as leader of the Liberal Party. Mr. Morgan Tut- ton, J.P., t,econded, and the motion was carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr. W. E. Harris, seconded by Mr. Stanley Williams, the following resolution was unanimously passed That this meeting expresses its pleasure at the appointment of our worthy member to an important position in the Ministry, as his great talent and business ability can be brought to the service of the country at this great crisis, and pledges itself to support his re-election. Further, it pledgee itself to give its most •trenuous support to Mr. Lloyd Georges Government in the prosecution of the; war." On the motion of Mr. Gwilym Morgan, J.P., seconded by Mr. W. Newoombc, it was unanimously resolved to invite the eo-operation of the several political partiee in the constituency in the nomi- nation and support of Sir Alfred Mond as a member of Mr. Lloyd Georges National Government. On the motion of Mr. David Griffitl,6,1 J.P., seconded by Mr. D. J. Thomas, a re- solution was unanimously paissed offering cordial congratulations to Mr. Lloyd George on his accession to the highert, of&ce in tHe Empire, and recording with satisfaction and pride the attainment of j the Premiership for the firs'- time in his- ¡ tory of a Welsh-speaking "V Lskmua.

I I1 SOLDIERS CHILDREN I

SOLDIERS' CHILDREN. I The Swansea Education Committee met on Monday af ternoon, under the presi- dency of Mr. David Matthews (vice-1 chairman). In regard to the acquisition of Brynsifi j site for the proposed new Technical Col- lege buildings; the area of whica is 4,701 square yards. Dr. Varley, replying to Aid. Colwiil, said about half of the Luid would be utilised for the proposed buildiT\ £ S. and ) the other half vo-Lild bt held over for pos- sible extensions. Mrs. H. D. Williams, referring to the proposed adoption of bye-laws regrdatinj; the employment of children, said some of them felt that strong measures ought to ba j taken in regard to children trading in the j street—selling newspapers, etc. It was becoming quite a menace. The Clerk stated that on the m.z he was meeting the Chief Contable aad Mr. Wakefield to discuss the matter, and i he would report later. Mrs. H. D. Williams asked whether anything could be done to feed th* j children of soldiers and sailors in necessitous cases. The present separa- tion allowances were inadequate in many c&ses in view of the cost of living and, seeing that the fathers were doing their best for the country she thought thev ought to see that the children were wf!11 fed. The State were very slow in giving higher separation allowances. Ald. Colwill said the authorities had been very swift in commandeering men for national service, but very slow in eeeing tiat their dependant*? were ade- quately p-ovided for. Some means should be devised to compel the State to take over liabilities which they ought to take over, and bear cheerfully. The Clerk: There is now a movement among local committees for urging in- creased allowances Mrs. Williams: It only goes so far as sending resolutions and nothing is done Mr. Powlesland: Are there any applica- tions for meals for soldiers' children. The Clerk: If any applications are made to the committee for meals they will be attended to. So far I have had none. Mr. Powlesland: Is it understood that the mothers of these children can make application at the present time? The Chairman: There is nothing to stop them making application. Mr. Powlesland: But you know how backward the working classes are. Once you stop anything, they think it is stopped definitely. The present allowances are not adequate to keep these children, and there are numbers of mothers who in- stead of going into munition works andw neglecting the children should stay at home and look after their children and allow younger women to go into the works in their places. Mr. F. J. Parker: It is quite within the power of every head teacher who finds children ill-nourished at school, to apply to Mr. HaMen, or got the parent to apply. The Committee are prepared to feed such children after proper inquiry has been. made. The Chairman: That is the position, and if the Press will make it known the I purpose will be served.

IVOTE OF CREDIT I

VOTE OF CREDIT. I I Mr. Bonar Law on the Govern- ment's Policy. In the House of Commons on -Thurfi- j day, Mr. Bonar Law moved a vote of! credit for 400 millions. He intimated that the rate of expenditiirf, was the vsame. The present- vote would carry them on to February 24th. The total for the financial year would be 1.950 million pounds. The actual expenditure had exceeded the estimate, due to increase of anyiiuniti^n and additional loans to the Allies and the Dominions. No peace propob-al-a had reached the Government, and, therefore, no member of the Government oould make a t'>tate-; ment. Qouting Mr. Aquith's words on the last vote of credit, Mr. Bonar I-AIW said they would insist on adequate repara- tion for the peace and security, nnd that view was still the policy and drmina- tion of the Government.

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Stocks of preserved beef are getting low r àt Kingston-on-Thames Workhouse, and I rabbits are being used instead.

THE PEACE TRAP

THE "PEACE" TRAP FRENCH PREMIER AD QERMAHY'S CO.iDiriuHS. The French Premier has made the firM public reply to the German Chancellor. it is couched in direct and stirring lan- guage. Speaking in the Chamber on Wed- nesday, he skewed that, despite German, successes in the past year, more than ever France, which had supported almost alos.8 the terrible weight of the attack of 1914, reasons for confidence in r, onvic- uon oi the certitude of victory. It is (he continued) after proclaiming her victory that Germany feels fnoved to throw out peace proposals. I have nc the right to express myself with regard to them except i-n full accord with oux Allies, but I have the right to warn the country against the possible poison of such attempts. (Cheers.) When the country is arming itself to the teeth, when it i" disorganising its homes, of which it was so proud, when all its factories are alight with war work, when it is collect- ing war labour everywhere, I call to my country to look out, to beware. "I replv for the hundredth time, 'You were the aggressors, and whatever you may say the facts prove it, a^d fhe blood- shed is on your beads, not on ours. It is my right to denounce tJtis trap. It is to France, glorious France of the Marue and of Verdun, that is Qffeoris made. I have the -1-ightbo say that this is an a.ttempt"4n f ^.lii up the Allies and to demora-lise the people." MORE FRIGHTFULNESS! Taking their cue from Herr Beth mam Hollweg^6 hint that a refusal by the Allies will mean terrors to follow, his ujnjon in Holland were on Wednesday spreading rumours that *00 submarines would blockade Engiard. that germ- laden bombs would be droppeo on Lon- don, that only Dutch Government grain fhips would be allowed to paae to Hol- land, and that similar evidence would be siven in other directions of Germany's zeal for peace and humanity. PAECE "CONDITIONS." The nearst approa-ch in any statement contained in the Dutch Press as to the actual terms is contained in the afternoon, edition of the "Handelablad," whose Hague c- -Iondent says:— i rem reman quarter usually waU- informed about the German Government's plans. I learn the following details of the peace conditions which the Central Powers would be inclined to offer. The terms are as follow:— All occupied territories, with the ex- ception of Poland and Lithuania, shall be returned. Poland must remain an indepenj -1 kingdom. As regards Lithuania, the inform;'t- was uncertain, but there is some icL" of a concession ty Austria to Russia Germany Lo receive back all L..• colonies. Germany to have. gaunvntees against possible invasion by a hostile army through Belgium. WHAT THE EMBASSY SAYS. Theze is a strong indication that Ger. ]).a.n:r wants peace far more badly than JIL-i-r von Beth man a-Holl weg's public an. nouncement indicates, says a New "lark message. This is seen in the declaration made by the Germany Embassy that tNe wrms stated by an Embassy official on Tuesday are what Germany would like to get, not what Germany expects to get."

OFFER TO BELGIUM

OFFER TO BELGIUM. Meanwhile comcs a sensational side- 'light, the offfc under cover of an un- speakable threat, of a separate peace to Belgium. This is contained in the fol- lowing report in the Daily Telegraph": We have received information, from a source which is unimpeachable, that the Central Powers have recently offered peace to Belgium on the following terms: The Belgian^ are invited to insist upon an immedate peace. In return for this. their country is to be restored to them, its independence guaranteed, and finan- cial assistance is to be given for its eco- nomic rehabilitation. In the event of these terms being re- fused, the clearest intimation has been given to Belgium that the very existence of her monuments, her public buildings, and even her towns is threatened.

HAFOD VICARS LETTER

HAFOD VICAR'S LETTER. The Rev. H. H. Williams, vicar of St. John's, H&fod, Swansea, now in Egypt. writes an interesting and chatty letter to his parishioners. He speaks of his voyage to Greece, and his subsequent visits to Naples and Pompeii. He contraets the scenes in Egypt with those at tuome. Mr. William goes on: "One thing has struck me forcibly about the British soldier out here, that underneath all his cheeriness, there is a deep concern about the things that matter. The men have realised the im- portance of things eternal; and the un- importance of things temporal." He de- scribes an impressive Communion and baptism in the desert. He concludes by extending seasorable greetings to his parishioners, and expresses a hope for the spondy conclusion of the war.

GRAVE UNDER PEAR TREE

GRAVE UNDER PEAR TREE. Mr. William Walter Brydoa, of 36, Blessington-road, Blackboath, who died on June 16, leaving property of the value of L15,381, directed in his will That his body should be crematkd in the simplest and cheapest form 1 and the ashes placed Pit her at the foot of Patsy's pear tree in my garden or pre- ferably under one of the big stones at tie foot of Drakestruther.* and that his funeral should be simple, with no flowers or expensive mourning, as anyone who wili regret my death will mourn with their hearts and not with their hatas."

BORN LEADER OF MEN

BORN LEADER OF MEN. Tokio, Sunday.-Field-Marshal Prince Oyama died to-day.-Reuter. He achieved fame during the Russo- Japanese was. Sir lan Hamilton, who was wifh him during the campaign, des- cribed him as a born leader ot mvii ra-i -he* than a scientific soldier. After defeating 5,000 of the enemy \ntb. a greatly inferior force at Kincbow the Marquis planted a cherry tree and com- manded all his officers to write poems to celebrate the occasion.